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5 Plumbing Emergencies That May Surprise You

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Nobody ever wants to have a plumbing emergency in their home. When you hear that phrase, you’re probably thinking of things like overflowing toilets, completely clogged sinks, or burst pipes dramatically spraying a geyser of water into your house. But there are other things that definitely constitute an emergency. Here are five situations that might be very unexpected but do indeed mean that you need emergency plumbing services.

1: Slab Leak

Do you hear the sound of running water when all the fixtures and appliances in your home are turned off? Are you shocked by unexpectedly high water bills? Have you spotted any cracks in your basement or foundation? You just might have a slab leak.

This is a break in a pipe underneath the concrete slab that your house is built on and it can cause a lot of damage to your home in addition to being a huge waste of water and money. If you suspect a slab leak, you need a plumber right away.

2: Broken Water Main

If you turn on a faucet but get no water at all, your first step should be to check with your municipal water source or with your neighbors. If your neighbors have water or your water department says they have no larger-scale problems, it may be that there’s a break in the main line that connects your home to the city water system. If this occurs, or if you see smaller signs such as a drop in water pressure or an unusually marshy area in your front yard, you need emergency plumbing in Cambridge, MA.

3: No Hot Water

If you turn on a faucet and there’s plenty of water, but no matter how long you wait it never warms up, this is a problem with either your water heater or the lines that carry the hot water out of it. This is definitely a job for a plumber and since hot water is so essential for health and well-being, it qualifies as an emergency. 

4: Sewer Line Damage

The sewer line carries all the wastewater from all the drains in your home to connect with your sewage system. Signs of a problem with the sewer line include multiple blocked drains in your home, foul odors, or an unusually lush and green area in your yard above where the sewer line runs.

This can be caused by an internal blockage or by damage from outside such as roots growing into or through the pipe. Because it is such an unpleasant problem and does carry health risks, it’s a plumbing emergency.

5: Lost Treasures

Although a wedding ring or very-first lost tooth going down a sink drain may not cause a risk to your physical well-being, your emotional wellness matters, too. Turn off the water, don’t use the sink, and call for emergency plumbing assistance to retrieve your precious item. 

Most importantly, if you think there might be a plumbing emergency, it is better to err on the side of caution. It’s much easier to prevent water damage than to repair it. Don’t be afraid to call if you have a serious concern.

Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. to discuss your plumbing concerns with qualified professionals.

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